Judges 1:13

KJV

And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Othniel {H6274} the son {H1121} of Kenaz {H7073}, Caleb's {H3612} younger {H6996} brother {H251}, took {H3920} it: and he gave {H5414} him Achsah {H5915} his daughter {H1323} to wife {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Otni'el the son of K'naz, Kalev's younger brother, captured it; so he gave him 'Akhsah his daughter as his wife.

Berean Standard Bible

So Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage.

American Standard Version

And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 1:13 records the successful capture of Kirjath-sepher (also known as Debir) by Othniel, identified as the son of Kenaz and Caleb's kinsman. This act of valor was in direct response to Caleb's challenge, who had offered his daughter, Achsah, in marriage to whoever would conquer the city. Othniel's decisive action secures a vital piece of the tribal inheritance for Judah and results in the fulfillment of Caleb's vow, establishing Othniel's prominence and foreshadowing his future leadership role in Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The Book of Judges opens immediately after the death of Joshua, detailing Israel's initial, yet often incomplete, efforts to possess the Promised Land. The preceding verses [Judges 1:1-11](/judges/1-1 "Judges 1:1-11 - Initial Conquests by Judah and Simeon") describe Judah's and Simeon's campaigns, setting a pattern of partial success and ongoing conflict. Specifically, [Judges 1:12](/judges/1-12 "Judges 1:12 - Caleb's Challenge for Kirjath-sepher") introduces Caleb's challenge: whoever conquers the strategic city of Kirjath-sepher (Debir) will receive his daughter Achsah as a wife. This verse, [Judges 1:13](/judges/1-13 "Judges 1:13 - Othniel's Victory"), serves as the direct fulfillment of that challenge, highlighting Othniel's immediate response and success. It transitions the narrative from the general tribal conquest to a specific, personal act of valor that has significant implications for the unfolding story of Israel's leadership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a decentralized tribal confederacy, where individual tribes were responsible for securing their allotted territories. Military prowess was highly valued, as the Israelites were engaged in ongoing conflict to dispossess the Canaanites. The custom of offering a daughter in marriage as a reward for a significant military achievement was a recognized practice in the ancient Near East, serving to solidify alliances, reward bravery, and integrate capable individuals into prominent families. Kirjath-sepher, later known as Debir, was a strategic city in the hill country of Judah, and its capture was crucial for the tribe's control over its inheritance. This event also has a parallel account in [Joshua 15:15-19](/joshua/15-15 "Joshua 15:15-19 - Caleb's Challenge and Achsah's Request"), indicating its importance in the broader narrative of the land's distribution.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Judges and the broader Deuteronomistic History. It underscores the theme of **Incomplete Conquest**, as individual acts like Othniel's were necessary to secure what the nation as a whole often failed to fully possess. It highlights **Valor and Initiative**, demonstrating how individual courage was essential for fulfilling God's command to inherit the land. **Faithfulness to Vows** is also central, as Caleb, a figure known for his unwavering faith (e.g., [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Faithfulness")), honorably fulfills his promise. Furthermore, the verse serves as the **Introduction of a Future Leader**, presenting Othniel, who will later become the first judge of Israel, a deliverer raised up by God to rescue His people from oppression, as detailed in [Judges 3:9-11](/judges/3-9 "Judges 3:9-11 - Othniel, the First Judge").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Othniel (Hebrew, _‘Othni’el'_):** Meaning "Lion of God" or "God is my strength." This name is highly significant, foreshadowing his future role as a mighty warrior and the first judge of Israel, empowered by God's Spirit (as seen in [Judges 3:10](/judges/3-10 "Judges 3:10 - The Spirit of the Lord Came Upon Othniel")). His introduction here establishes his character as a man of valor and sets the stage for his divine appointment.
* **Kenaz (Hebrew, _Qenaz'_):** This name signifies "hunter" or "possession." Kenaz was a prominent clan within Judah, and Othniel's lineage through Kenaz connects him to a significant and established family line, reinforcing his tribal identity and standing. The term "son of Kenaz" also implies a broader family connection, possibly a clan leader.
* **Younger brother (Hebrew, _‘aḥ'_):** While literally "brother," the Hebrew term _‘aḥ_ can also denote a kinsman, nephew, or close relative. In this context, given Caleb's offering of his daughter, it strongly suggests a direct sibling relationship or a very close familial tie, perhaps a nephew (son of Caleb's actual brother, Kenaz, if Kenaz is a person, not just a clan). This close relationship underscores the internal family dynamic and the trust Caleb placed in Othniel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it":** This clause identifies the protagonist, Othniel, by his lineage and relationship to Caleb. "Took it" refers to the successful capture of Kirjath-sepher (Debir), the city Caleb had challenged his kinsmen to conquer. This concise statement highlights Othniel's decisive action and military success in a significant engagement, demonstrating his courage and capability.
* **"and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife":** This clause describes the immediate fulfillment of Caleb's vow. Caleb, the prominent leader, honors his word by giving his daughter Achsah to Othniel in marriage. This act serves as the promised reward for Othniel's valor, solidifying his position within Caleb's family and the tribe of Judah, and demonstrating Caleb's integrity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices effectively. **Conciseness** is evident in the direct reporting of Othniel's action and Caleb's response, reflecting the straightforward narrative style typical of historical accounts in Judges. The phrase "Caleb's younger brother" functions as a form of **Genealogy** and **Kinship Identification**, immediately placing Othniel within a respected and influential family line, which is crucial for understanding his future leadership and the familial bonds within the tribe of Judah. Furthermore, the event itself serves as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at Othniel's future role as a deliverer and judge. His success here establishes his character as a capable and divinely favored warrior, preparing the reader for his later, more prominent role in the book.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 1:13 illustrates the intersection of human initiative and divine purpose in the conquest of Canaan. While God had promised the land, its possession often required courageous human action, as exemplified by Othniel. This verse highlights the importance of valor and faithfulness in fulfilling God's commands, even when the broader community struggles with obedience. Caleb's integrity in keeping his vow underscores the biblical emphasis on trustworthiness and honoring one's word, a reflection of God's own faithfulness. The introduction of Othniel, a man of action and integrity, foreshadows the need for divinely appointed leaders during Israel's turbulent period of the Judges, a time when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes."
* [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Wholehearted Following of the Lord")
* [Joshua 15:16-17](/joshua/15-16 "Joshua 15:16-17 - Parallel Account of Caleb's Challenge and Othniel's Victory")
* [Judges 3:9-10](/judges/3-9 "Judges 3:9-10 - Othniel as the First Judge and Deliverer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 1:13 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Othniel's willingness to step forward and undertake a challenging task, even when others might have hesitated, speaks to the importance of individual courage and initiative in serving God's purposes. We are called to be active participants in God's kingdom work, not passive observers, trusting that He will empower us for the tasks He sets before us. Caleb's unwavering commitment to his promise reminds us of the critical value of integrity and trustworthiness in our relationships and commitments, reflecting the character of a faithful God. Just as Othniel was rewarded for his valor, we are assured that faithfulness in small or large acts of obedience contributes to God's grand design and does not go unnoticed. This passage encourages us to identify the "cities" or challenges in our lives that God calls us to conquer, whether they be personal struggles, community needs, or spiritual battles, and to respond with courage and faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "cities" or challenges in your life or community is God calling you to "take" with courage and initiative?**
* **How does Caleb's faithfulness in keeping his promise inspire you to be more trustworthy in your own commitments?**
* **In what ways can you recognize and affirm the acts of courage and faithfulness in others around you?**

### FAQ
**Who was Othniel, and why is his action significant?**

Answer: Othniel was the son of Kenaz and Caleb's kinsman (likely nephew or younger brother). His action in taking Kirjath-sepher (Debir) was significant because it fulfilled Caleb's challenge, secured a vital strategic city for the tribe of Judah, and demonstrated his valor. More importantly, this event introduces him as a capable leader, foreshadowing his later role as the first judge of Israel, whom God raised up to deliver His people from oppression, as described in [Judges 3:9-11](/judges/3-9 "Judges 3:9-11 - Othniel's Deliverance of Israel").

**What was the purpose of Caleb offering his daughter as a reward?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, offering a daughter in marriage as a reward for military valor was a common practice. It served multiple purposes: it incentivized courageous acts necessary for conquest, solidified alliances, and integrated capable individuals into prominent families. For Caleb, it was a way to ensure the strategic city of Kirjath-sepher was captured, demonstrating his commitment to securing the tribal inheritance and his integrity in fulfilling a public vow. This practice is also seen in other biblical accounts, such as Saul's offer of his daughter to David for defeating Goliath in [1 Samuel 17:25](/1_samuel/17-25 "1 Samuel 17:25 - Saul's Offer of His Daughter to David").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Judges 1:13 speaks of a physical conquest and a human reward, it subtly points to the greater spiritual conquest and divine reward found in Christ. Othniel's valor in taking a city foreshadows the ultimate victory achieved by Jesus Christ, who, as the true Lion of the tribe of Judah ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")), conquered sin, death, and the devil through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. Just as Othniel secured an inheritance for Judah, Christ secured an eternal inheritance for all who believe in Him ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Caleb's faithfulness in fulfilling his promise to Othniel reflects the perfect faithfulness of God the Father, who promised a Redeemer and perfectly fulfilled that promise in Christ ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Our "reward" is not a physical land or a human spouse, but union with Christ, becoming part of His bride, the Church ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church as Bride and Groom")), and inheriting eternal life through His decisive victory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.